Christmas

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Christmas Around the World
VOCABULARY

USA
Christmas

December 25

Traditionally in the United States
Christmas is a time to remember the Christian Story of baby Jesus, the son of God, being born in a stable in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph. Shepherds watched over their flocks and a host of angels came and declared the birth of Jesus to them. Wise men from the east followed a star that led to the stable where Jesus was born and brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
It is said that Melchior King of Arabia brought gold, Gasper King of Tarsus brougt the myrrh and Balthasar King of Ethiopia brought frankincense.

Many Christian churches reenact the story at this time and people sing carols about the story and do good deeds for others during this time of year.

Another tradition is putting up a Christmas tree with lights and ornaments and candy canes and hanging stockings on the fireplace in hopes that Santa Clause will come to their house

and leave presents in their stockings and under the tree.
Children must be good all year because it is said that Santa

sees us when we are awake and asleep.
If children are naughty it is said that he will leave a piece of coal and a stick.

A Santa Clause story says that Santa has eight reindeer

and one special reindeer named Rudolf who has a nose that glows..

Christmas carols are sung about Santa and his reindeer too.
Snow songs are also popular.
"I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas."

Families get together at this time of year to enjoy each other's company and give their family members something that they would like. Giving to family, friends and less fortunate people is called the "Spirit of Christmas".

It is a time when people think of others before themselves. People may visit hospitals or nursing homes.

They may sing carols in the street to bring joy to each other. People make Christmas cookies and fruit cake and candies and Christmas baskets full of nuts and fruit to share too.